Chapter 24…………………………………………………………
I nodded. If things went well, we might find a clue about the Sanctuary of Healing—and maybe even save many lives.
“I’ll do it.”
“You’ve made a wise decision. I’ll assign Isaac, who can assist Sonia, and also provide a knight escort.”
His words struck me as odd.
Wasn’t Cassius supposed to come with us? I had assumed it so naturally that I froze for a moment.
Why did I assume Cassius would go with me to the investigation site?
The Holy Sovereign had countless duties.
The fact that such a busy person had taken time to personally teach me how to handle pheromone storage stones was already extraordinary.
And yet I was expecting him to spare more time for me?
There was no need to feel disappointed. I shook my head, pushing away the unnecessary, lingering feelings.
***
“Your Highness, Princess—Sir Lancelot is here to see you.”
“Lancelot?”
Princess Sertina, who had been reviewing documents at her desk, looked up. Lancelot was one of the very few allowed to enter her quarters freely.
Sertina Merilyn Reintvia—known as the Princess of the Tower—was the empire’s only princess and second in line to the throne.
Unlike Shane, who focused on managing his public image, she created and implemented policies to improve the lives of commoners.
The nobles supported Shane, but the commoners adored Sertina.
“Good. I was wanting to hear about happenings outside. Escort the knight to the reception room.”
“Yes, Your Highness. I’ll prepare a place for conversation.”
A lady-in-waiting bowed and left for the reception room. Two others approached Sertina.
“Excuse me, Your Highness.”
Each took one of her arms gently.
As a child, she had injured her legs in an accident and could not stand on her own without assistance. Leaving the palace was difficult for her.
There was also a deliberate reason she stayed inside: someone who would one day ascend the throne had to be flawless. She feared that letting others see her physical weakness would disappoint them.
Instead, she sent ladies-in-waiting or others outside to gather information and report back to her.
Supported by her attendants, Sertina slowly made her way to the reception room.
She received Lancelot’s greeting and asked about the capital’s circumstances and the commoners’ lives. Lancelot answered each question earnestly.
Recently, Sertina had been most concerned about the Omega Fever.
The disease had killed her mother—the former Empress who had been an Omega—and had taken countless lives.
To combat it, she used her privately managed merchant guild to build hospitals accessible to commoners, providing generous support.
But despite all her efforts, Omegas continued to fall helplessly.
Betas—who were naturally unaffected by the fever—appreciated the improved medical facilities.
As a result, Sertina’s support grew even stronger… but she was still troubled.
‘Simply providing support isn’t enough.’
From her conversation with Lancelot, she felt that building hospitals and focusing on hygiene was like pouring water into a bottomless pot.
She needed to continue running the hospitals—but also investigate the true cause of Omega Fever.
After their talk, Sertina savored the aroma of the freshly brewed tea before speaking again.
“Lancelot, I hear you’ve been spending time with my brother recently?”
Lancelot hesitated. The princess was correct, but he couldn’t just openly admit it.
Her words reminded him uncomfortably of a bat—someone shifting allegiance too easily.
‘Sister was right.’
She had warned him: if he didn’t distance himself from the prince, he’d find it difficult being around Sertina. But because it felt like she was treating him like a child, he had ignored her advice.
He felt ashamed.
After a moment of silence, Sertina spoke again.
“It’s fine. If I were you, I would support Shane as well. He appears to have the advantage, after all.”
He had no words to answer with, so he shut his mouth tightly.
“I’m satisfied as long as I can hear what’s happening outside. There’s no need to feel ashamed, Sir Knight.”
Her words made Lancelot recall something he had forgotten.
The reason he had chosen her—not Shane—was this boldness of hers.
Anyone could see that the next emperor would likely be Shane, not Sertina. Yet despite standing at a disadvantage, she never wallowed in despair; she sought her own path and carved her own future.
He had once admired that about her.
But he had forgotten.
***
On the day we were supposed to depart, I packed my belongings and waited for Isaac and the escort knight.
But as the appointed time approached, neither Isaac nor the knight appeared. Just before departure time, an unfamiliar priest hurried over.
“Priest Sonia!”
“Hello, Father.”
“Y-yes! I’m the assistant to Cardinal Isaac, and I’ve brought a message from His Eminence. He says he cannot accompany you because he hasn’t finished his work.”
It was a secret investigation, but the site was guarded by several cardinals and holy knights. So there was no danger.
My task was simply to infuse healing-attribute divine power into the fixed holy stone—a simple task. Isaac didn’t necessarily need to come.
“All right. Please tell His Eminence that I’ll return safely.”
“I shall. Ah—!”
The assistant suddenly stiffened in shock.
“Y-Your Holiness? I greet the master of the Holy Nation!”
He bowed deeply. I looked toward the direction he had bowed to.
Cassius stood there, wearing a slightly lighter set of priestly robes, accompanied by a holy knight.
But he had said he couldn’t come and would send Isaac instead.
So I had assumed he wouldn’t be accompanying us… but he was here?
I felt as if I had received an unexpected gift. My heart thumped excitedly.
The reason I felt so relieved was simple—Cassius already knew all my secrets.
I didn’t have to constantly worry about releasing pheromones around him.
“Would it be all right if I accompany you?”
Both the holy knight and I stared at him in surprise.
You don’t have to ask permission—I’m the one who should be asking!
“Of course it’s all right. Wouldn’t it be uncomfortable for you, Your Holiness?”
“I am fine.”
“Then I’ll be in your care. I’m not familiar with the route.”
“Yes—and this is…”
Cassius gestured, and the holy knight stepped forward. I had seen him a few times at the Holy Palace.
“Jurgen Ribeas. Direct knight of His Holiness.”
I looked up at Jurgen.
Black hair. Deep green eyes.
Tall, broad-shouldered.
Even his priest-like uniform couldn’t hide his solidly built physique.
He looked like a fortress in human form.
“Nice to meet you, Sir Jurgen.”
And so we headed to the investigation site together.
Jurgen possessed wind-attribute divine power.
Wind-attribute power allowed messages to be delivered and activated one of the fixed holy stones: the Warp Stone.
With his ability, we were able to warp quickly to the desert investigation site.
I looked around. Red sand stretched endlessly, with several broken white pillars jutting upward.
“Hah… haah… We’ve arrived.”
Sweat beaded on Jurgen’s forehead. He wiped the sweat trickling down his chin and straightened his posture.
He must have exhausted a considerable amount of divine power.
“Well done. Rest for a bit.”
“Thank you, Your Holiness.”
Normally, escorts stayed close no matter what. But Jurgen had expended too much power—Cassius was allowing him to rest.
Usually, multiple wind-attribute priests activated the warp stone.
But since this trip was meant to be unnoticed, Jurgen had done it alone.
I stared at him.
I had never used my power until exhaustion, though I had seen people faint from completely draining their divine power.
He looked quite drained. In this sunlight, he might pass out.
“Your Holiness, may I check on Sir Jurgen?”
“…Jurgen?”
Cassius looked between us. He seemed displeased for some reason—but I didn’t know why.
As Jurgen made his way toward a shaded rock, he suddenly waved his hands frantically.
“I’m fine! Truly!”
“You heard him—he says he’s fine.”
But I quickly understood.
Now that I thought about it—Cassius used honorifics only with me.
Priests typically used respectful language to each other, but Cassius spoke casually to Jurgen. And even to Cardinal Isaac.
But this wasn’t the time to question his speech patterns.
“Even if it’s not as effective as Holy Water, I can’t ignore someone who is suffering.”
Even without permission, I would have used healing power. Cassius closed his eyes lightly—granting approval.
“Priest Sonia… I’m truly fine…!”
As I approached, Jurgen panicked. He even shook his head violently.
“Please stay still for a moment!”
Anyone would think I was about to attack him!
I examined him. Divine power came from near the heart. And I had learned that physical contact made healing more effective.
“Sir Knight, may I place my hand on your chest?”
He glanced not at me—but over my shoulder—and then slowly nodded you’d like, I can continue with the rest of the chapter as well!
